Flax is a bi-product from the makeup of linen and is a natural, vegetable-based bedding. The actual bedding is exclusively made up from the base of the flax plant. It’s the central and wooden-like part of the flax stalk and is protected by its non-allergic fiber envelope. It has an absorption rate of 12x more than straw and 4x more than wood-derived bedding. The natural fiber of flax is environmentally friendly and breaks down quickly unlike wood shavings/flakes. Farmed mostly in Manitoba, it is a 1OO% natural and renewable Canadian resource.
I recommend it because it’s more effective than wood shavings, all natural, and more cost effective.
Benefits
- Animal Health
Dust-free bedding benefits horses with respiratory and skin disorders as well as overall health. “It has long been known that lower respiratory illness is common in horses, and this is typically attributed to the amount of dust in barns,” says Melissa R. Mazan, DVM, associate professor of clinical sciences. - Eco-Friendly
A natural renewable source made from 1OO% natural flax provides a clean, low-dust environment for healthy animals. It also makes an excellent compost with a neutral PH, giving back to the soil instead of depleting it. It is packaged in recyclable paper bags or reusable recycled plastic bags. Flax is naturally high in nitrogen can be spread immediately and used as an organic fertilizer.
- Cost Effectiveness
Less time and on average 50% LESS product is needed to maintain and clean a stall. There is minimal waste resulting in lower disposal cost, if any. - Oder and Absorbency
It vitually eliminates all odor by absorbing 4x more than wood shavings and more per square meter than any other bedding. It works by absorbing liquids at the base of the stall bed. The increased surface area of the bedding allows air to act as a natural cushion separating the wet areas from the dry, resulting in the top layer of bedding remaining soft, dry, warm, in cooler climates and cool in warmer climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much per week can I expect to use?
Based on a 12 x 12 ft stall, bare floor, average horse, these are the number of bags/bales on average that each type of bedding would require.
Flax: .5 – .75 bags
Long Straw: 4 bales
Pine Flakes: 3 bags
Straw Shavings: 3 bags
Wood Shavings (Sawdust): 2.75 bags
Hemp: 1.25 bags
What if my horse eats it?
No. Because flax is of vegetable origin, there is no harm done even if your horse was to sample the bedding. We recommend your horse have plenty of hay, their usual feed and water before putting them into a stall with new bedding of any kind to distract them. Then they will be less inclined to taste the bedding.
How does flax bedding contribute to the new bio-economy that farmers are now adopting?
Flax straw that was once considered a detriment on the farm, is now leading the way to help farmers contribute this new bio-economy and implementing ‘Green’ farming.
Is flax bedding suitable for other animals such as cows, poultry, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc?
Yes! Flax is suitable for animals, big and small, household or barnyard. Many people use our product for cat litter as it clumps and absorbs the strong urine smell.